No. 3 - 2010 (Download)

Conta
ins
450 0
00
little fi
sh
The CeO
leads
The way
FrOm pigeOn
hunTer TO Friend
OF The ClimaTe
meet environmental boss
Tormod schei
Tending TO
The waTer
Marilyn Marskar makes sure
the hydropower is clean
A mAgAzine for people in StAtkrAft
I no. 3
2010
editorial
o
s 14 T e
g
a
P
r
e ove
19 ar g wiTh
in
flow Tos!
Pho
Foto dag spant
a competitive company
2
This is a very exciting autumn for Statkraft.
Just before summer, we presented a more
targeted strategy which will free up resources
and equity for our core areas. It will also ensure
continued growth adjusted to our financial
framework.
Hydropower will remain as the basis of our
operations, both in Norway and internationally.
We will further develop the flexibility inherent in
hydropower and gas power. We will also continue our wind energy initiatives in the Nordic
countries and in the UK, as well as our efforts
in district heating, but with reduced investments. We will maintain our major industrial
ownership in Norwegian regional companies.
This autumn, we will carry on with our efforts
to make this strategy even more specific. The
various business and staff areas will continue
statkraft
to refine their strategies which also become
part of the overall company strategy and work
out their organisational details.
Large parts of the organisational structure
have been presented in recent weeks. In addition, it is our goal to simplify and improve the
management systems and reporting structures.
This will strengthen our confidence that we
have selected the correct strategy to grow
within our focus areas,
and develop Statkraft
as a competitive
company.
Christian
rynning-tønnesen
President and CEO
no 3.2010
Contents
04 The CEO sharpens his pencil
Christian Rynning-Tønnesen leads the way.
06 The instrumental friend
Recently hired Executive Vice President
Steinar Bysveen loves the piano, golf
clubs and management.
08 Cutting power
In four years all of Statkraft’s Norwegian
facilities will use 35 percent less energy.
10 New look caused dancing fever
SN Power is changing its look, and the
employees notice the difference.
12 An orderly day
With Emendo, nothing ends up in
the big, black beyond..
14 Cultivation days
The future of the river is in the net cage.
22 The wind is in the willows …
… the water and on land. Water flow
regulation is not just a piece of cake.
32 Synchronised watches
Everyone was dressed when CDM
employees from around the world
finally got to meet.
34 Dove hunter turned
climate friend
Did you know that VP of Environment Tormod Schei has sung at Royal Albert Hall?
38 ”Disaster” strikes in Germany
Full-on action for 240 employees.
editor-in-chief: hanne aaberg
editor: Christer gilje
[email protected]
editorial staff: Birger Baug, irene
macCallum, lars magnus günther,
anne joeken, linn Bakke, helena aina
Zissis, gunilla lundén
design and production:
red kommunikasjon
cover: marilyn marskar, environmental
adviser, pg
cover photo by: ellen johanne jarli
Print: rk grafisk as
circulation: 5000
feedback and tips are
greatly appreciated:
[email protected]
people & power
3
Current affairs
“This is not a major departure from what has been, but
rather a more targeted and more clearly communicated
strategy,” says Christian Rynning-Tønnesen
4
statkraft
strategy
president and Ceo
to lead the way
just before the summer, president and Ceo Christian rynningtønnesen presented a new and more focused strategy. he now
talks about the background for the changes – and the direction
in which the corporate management wants to take the company.
text: Christer gilje photo: hans Fredrik asBjørnsen
w
hat are the most important
aspects of the changes to
the strategy?
“The most important aspect
of focusing the strategy is
that this will free up resources across the
organisation, so we can go full speed ahead
with the projects inside the strategy. We are
in a dialogue with the owner on dividends
and equity, and the outcome of this dialogue
will define our financial framework. Until this
review has been completed, the board and
corporate management will operate within
the current financial framework.”
how necessary was it for statkraft to
prioritise and define its core operations?
“It was natural to make an assessment of our
priorities at the time when I joined the company and changes were made in the corporate
management. This is not a major departure from
what has been, but rather a more focused and
more clearly communicated strategy.”
did you have any doubts as to removing
entire technologies?
“Of course, we discussed how wise it would be
to exit a technology investment altogether rather
than down-scale. In terms of solar power, we decided it was best to exit that technology and thus
free up resources and capital for other areas. In
terms of wind energy and district heating on the
other hand, we decided to maintain a significant
involvement, but with reduced investment plans
for the next few years.”
what is your view of the company’s
innovation section in the time ahead?
“We will have further development within flexible hydropower and gas power, international
FacTs
statkraft’s new, targeted strategy was
presented on 18 june. it calls for greater emphasis
on the group’s core expertise within flexible and
renewable energy generation, and the company
has defined the following focus areas:
flexible energy generation and market
operations in norway and Western europe.
international hydropower
wind energy in norway, sweden and the uk
Focused growth within district heating in
norway and consolidation of the operations in
sweden
statkraft will continue its role as an industrial
owner of regional companies in norway.
hydropower, wind energy and district heating.
The main focus of our innovation initiatives will
be to support these areas. But there will also be
room for a certain amount of innovation beyond
this, for instance within osmotic power. Due to
the nature of innovation, the framework can’t be
too tight. What defines innovation is the ability to
come up with solutions we didn’t have when we
started, and that you can’t predefine everything.”
Can sn Power-boss øistein andresen
entry into the corporate management
be interpreted as a sign that sn Power’s
operations will be more integrated?
“Yes, SN Power’s operations have always been
important to Statkraft, but the fact that we now
own 60 per cent of the company and have the
opportunity to buy still more and the appointment
of Andresen to the executive management are
signals that Statkraft wants to keep international
hydropower developments close to the group.
Still, it is important that the activities continue to
be managed and operated independently, so the
enterprise is given the opportunity to develop in
parts of the world outside the parent company’s
core areas. It is our ambition to be able to exploit
synergies within engineering and HSE.”
in norway, there is a political divide on
gas power. why is it then right to pursue
initiatives for gas power on the continent?
“In Germany, gas power is regarded as one
of the most eco-friendly alternatives in power
generation, and Norway is also one of the largest
gas suppliers to Europe. From this perspective,
it is only natural for Statkraft to be involved in
Euro-pean gas power. We have considered the
value of having flexible gas power available in
northern Europe against other Group initiatives,
and our conclusion is that we wish to keep this
area and further develop both flexible hydropower and gas power as part of our core activity.”
when will we know more about the
specific changes to the organisation
as a result of the changed strategy?
“We recently presented the organisational
structure and appointed leaders for various
areas under the corporate management, and
that in itself has provided a great deal of
clarification. In the months ahead, there will
be a process in each business and staff area
to define their plans and how to best utilise
the resources. Additionally, here at the head
office, it will be particularly important to define
the roles and tasks of the staff in the Group.”
for you, what is the most important
thing to accomplish this autumn?
"That would be to complete the review of the
organisation, so that all business areas and staff
have clearly defined roles, and that all employees
know the goals they are working towards." ●
people & power
5
Current affairs
“My body needs me to play golf,” says new Executive
Vice President in Statkraft, Steinar Bysveen
New faces in corporate management
steinar bysveen
hilde bakken
øistein andresen
Civil engineer and business
economist. Former president of energy norway.
Civil engineer in petroleum, has been
with statkraft since 2000.
Civil engineer (electricity). Former
managing director of sn power.
areas oF responsiBility: hse, hr,
corporate social responsibility, communications, corporate audits.
areas oF responsiBility:
sn power, southeast europe, international hydropower.
areas oF responsiBility:
production and industrial
ownership.
the Best thing aBout
statkraFt: the opportunities, the expertise and all the nice people.
leadership motto: there is no limit to what
you can’t achieve when you don’t want to.
the Best thing aBout statkraFt:
our highly competent employees and
our plans, which we can be proud of.
leadership motto: thorough and systematic work will
yield results over time. i hope my actions will be my most
important leadership tool. (see separate interview with
hilde bakken in the portal.)
6
statkraft
the Best thing aBout statkraFt: the
company is leading within eco-friendly
energy, has a global growth strategy and
core values that i can identify with - and it
is inspiring to have so many good colleagues.
motto som leder: Fokuser på mulighetene, ikke problemene.
new exeCutive management
new exeCutive management:
energetic boss
steinar Bysveen is mostly smiles when you meet him.
perhaps because he has landed his dream job?
text: Christer gilje photo: erik thallaug
h
ow are you today?” Steinar Bysveen
asks as I enter his office.
”Thanks, I’m fine,” I reply.
”I’m under quite a bit of stress,”
he says with outstretched arms.
”There’s so much I need to learn!”
But I quickly understand that this isn’t a complaint. Bysveen has indeed landed his dream
job. After 25 years in the energy industry, and
seven years as president of the industry association Energy Norway, he began to think about his
next move, and at the top of his wish list was
Statkraft. Around Easter, he told Christian
Rynning-Tønnesen about his thoughts, and a few
months later, his dream came true. And this is
where we return to the busy work day. It may be
hectic, but it is also happy.
”There are so many nice and highly competent
people here!” says Bysveen.
”When I talk to people and when I read on the
intranet about all the exciting things we do in
Statkraft, I think to myself that this is something
I would love to tell the entire world!”
Flexibility is the solution
His drive to tell the world comes naturally. As
president of the energy industry’s own association,
he worked to convince politicians, media and
the general public how Norway’s energy should
be managed. He will now be managing much of
Statkraft’s production. And he has already set
some clear goals for the future.
“We need to develop more renewable energy,
and in many countries, this means wind energy,”
he says. “But what will we do when there’s no
wind? Or when the wind is blowing, but consumption is low? The solution is flexible energy
production. Therefore, one of my most important
tasks will be to increase the effect we achieve in
hydropower, through pumped storage energy in
Norway and gas power in Germany.”
Bysveen is focused on explaining this need to
the general public. The big debate this summer
on transmission cables in Hardanger was an
example of influencing attitudes towards energy
development.
“There has been a gradual development since
the time when developing hydropower and the
power grid equalled building the nation. It is still
important that we have the general public on
our side,“ he stresses.
a complex fellow
Communicating with the public and the authorities has been very important for Bysveen
throughout much of his career, but he also has
solid technical and economic expertise. He has
an engineering degree and a degree in business
economics, and his energy career started in
Saga Petroleum.
“I learned a lot about project execution, the
ownership role and business development
during my time there,” he says.” I also worked a
lot with gas. I continued working with gas when
I worked to develop gas power in Industrikraft
Midt-Norge until I started in Energy Norway,
where regulatory work is very important.”
“The energy industry is about technology, economics and politics, all at the same time. And
it is this that makes it such an interesting sector.”
Although Bysveen practically has the energy
business in his blood, he is not an industry geek.
He tries to get a round of golf in every weekend
for example.
“It is a physical need,” he explains. “And when
my wife looks at my body, she agrees that the
need is real.”
When he is not at the golf course, he is trying
to befriend musical instruments.
“I have a background from marching bands
and big bands, and I do still play a bit, but mostly
for my own amusement. The family claims it
is just myself I amuse, but I’m not giving up. I
started taking piano lessons when I turned 40,
and the hope lingers that the piano will be my
friend one day.”
But before that happens, there are plenty of
other friends to make.
“I will meet a lot of Statkraft employees this
autumn, and travel to the various units I’m
responsible for, in order to get to know them
better. I will be in charge of many very different
parts of the company, both in terms of size and
tasks, but my hope is that I’ll manage to adjust
to the various needs, inspire employees and
define the road ahead.” ●
who heads what?
New on the board
the managers on the level below corporate
management were introduced in August. Much of
the organisational structure was also introduced
at the same time, and it will be further developed
until 30 November. The work on the group strategy,
the group management process and reporting and
a comprehensive HR process will run parallel with
this. You can follow the processes through the
CEO’s information meetings and in the portal.
svein aaser has been elected the new chairman
of the board in Statkraft AS, replacing Arvid Grundekjøn. Aaser is a partner in the consultancy firm
InFuture, and chairman of the board for the Nordic
Ski World Cup 2011 and the National Museum. He
is a former CEO of Den Norske Bank, DnB NOR,
Nycomed, Storebrand insurance, NORA food products, as well as president of the Confederation of
Norwegian Enterprise (NHO) from 1992 to 1994.
Do you want to see who heads what? Go to the
About us section on the intranet.
Inge Ryan and Silvija Seres were elected new
members of the board, replacing Hilde M. Tonne
and Bertil (Pertti) Tiusanen.
Svein Aaser
people & power
7
Current affairs
From the Nedre Røssåga power plant (Archive photo)
Cutting power at
the power plants
By 2014, all of statkraft’s norwegian buildings will use
35 per cent less energy than they do today due to energy
efficiency measures. in addition to saving both energy
and costs, these energy efficiency measures will make a
positive contribution to the climate, by freeing up more
clean energy.
text: lars magnus günther
8
statkraft
s
tatkraft’s Norwegian facilities,
including power plants, office
buildings and stock fish facilities, consume a total of about
100 GWh of electricity annually.
A study of the facilities carried
out by Norconsult, shows that it is possible to
cut energy consumption by 35 GWh annually by
making profitable investments in management
systems, operations monitoring and energy
management in connection with lighting, ventilation and heating.
The study forms the basis for the project
”Energy Efficiency in our own facilities,” which
is a part of PG’s ongoing work to improve technology and processes in order to achieve environmental benefits and efficient energy use.
No more free energy
”Since the early days, our own energy has been
regarded as cost free and was carried as a loss
at the power stations. But increasing focus on
energy efficiency and rising energy prices have
also put a price on this consumption and created
a potential for profitable investments. In total,
we are looking at investing NOK 86 million until
2014. Enova will contribute NOK 14.6 million of
kraFtkutt
“The project has a profitability that can compete
with other investments in the Group,” says project
manager Leif Larsen. (Photo: Leif Betten)
this, ensuring that the project’s profitability can
compete with other investments in the group,”
says project manager Leif Larsen.
Phase 1 of the project got under way this
autumn with installation of new equipment at the
Nore, Aure and Rana Power Plant Group, as well
as staff training. The first stage of the project
will run until the summer and is carried out in
partnership with Norconsult as consultants and
YIT as the installing contractor. The plan is then
to carry out similar investments at all remaining
Norwegian facilities by 2014.
Leif Larsen, himself the former power plant
manager at Aura, has often thought that something should be done about the energy use at
our facilities, but until now, focus has been on
improvements to production. He now looks forward to getting to work on the energy efficiency
of the buildings themselves.
No one will feel cold
“It is exciting to work on this and confirm assumptions regarding cost savings. At the same
time, it is really great to experience the enthusiasm the power plant managers have when we
present the project,” Larsen says.
He stresses that no one will feel cold or work in
it is great to see statkraft going for
building automation, not just improvements to the production facilities, and
that it is done for all of norway.
the dark due to the measures.
“Energy efficiency will not come at the expense
of either comfort or the working environment.
Quite the opposite, our employees will find that
lighting, heating and ventilation will all be better
adjusted to the work at hand.”
Installing company YIT is also very pleased
with Statkraft leading the way and taking on this
challenge.
“It is great to see Statkraft going for building automation, not just improvements to the
production facilities, and that it is done for all
of Norway,” project manager Tord Solvoll of the
installation contractor YIT, says. He believes
Statkraft will be successful in this highly ambitious project.
Potential for improvement
The innovation department has been a key
internal contributor to the project.
“The energy efficiency project has change
as one of its success criteria. The goal requires
that local expertise and knowledge of the facilities come together with new technical solutions
and practical implementation. Statkraft has
the potential to improve both processes and
systems in this project, as well as making a
contribution to an improved result for our core
activity," says innovation advisor Hege Brende
of Statkraft.
She is involved in the project group with a
special responsibility for following up communication and training of the employees, as well
as assisting in project coordination for Statkraft
within these areas.
“The potential in energy efficiency boils down
to behaviour and energy awareness through
daily, practical work,” she says. ●
people & power
9
Current affairs
our employees notice the
difference. People have
said that they now feel a part
of a global company.
– karin greve-isdahl, CommuniCations direCtor, sn poWer
the sheringham
shoal offshore
wind farm will
consist of 88 wind
turbines. With
an annual energy
production of an
estimated 1.1 TWh.
They will be able to
supply 220 000
British households
with electricity.
10
statkraft
2700
the norwegian Water
resources and
energy directorate
recommends that
the norwegian
ministry of petroleum and energy grants statkraft a
license to construct the ringedalen power plant in odda
municipality. the power plant will generate enough
electricity for 2 700 households.
sn Power
eD
Danc w
e
for n n
Desig
sn power gets
new look
sn power is getting a face lift, and that means that
everything from business cards to power plants signage
will be replaced.
text: Christer gilje photo: andrea gianella
”Image is important,” says Karin Greve-Isdahl,
communications director in SN Power. ”The new
profile is fresher and looks more professional, at
the same time as it is attractive and user-friendly.
It is all about how we want to look as a company.”
Global image
The correct branding is important, also when
recruiting new employees. SN Power wants to
have a more uniform look. The company has
now incorporated the design elements used by
Statkraft, and has the same look in all countries
where it is represented.
“The employees have noticed the difference.
Many have said they now feel more part of a
global company,” Greve-Isdahl says.
Cecilia Torres of SN Power Peru, is one of those
who appreciates the new look.
“It has been very demanding to make the change,
but we are really enthusiastic about it,” she says.
“The new look is modern and innovative. It is
also friendly, with soft colours. I feel that I’m
now a part of a much greater company working
towards a common goal. To invest in projects in
renewable energy and work towards sustainable
development.”
Everything is changed
The new logo was launched for all the Peruvian
employees during a gathering at the end of
July. The office has now changed their business
cards, letterhead, templates, presentations and
other information material. Banners have also
been made, which will be used during various
events in the local communities where SN Power
operates. Now the work starts to begin using the
logo and other parts of the new visual identity on
facades and signage at the facilities.
Torres is very pleased that the different offices
were allowed to take part in the process.
“We’ve been in a continuous dialogue with the
head office regarding the change, and provided
input and feedback on what the changes would
entail for our communication work.”
Online freshness
One of the changes that most people notice is
the new SN Power web pages. Experience from
the launch of Statkraft’s new web pages last
year was put to good use, but separate solutions
have also been developed. One of these is a
globe seen from a southern perspective, in other
words, the countries where SN Power operates.
Using the globe, web surfers can find out more
about where the company has activities.
The employees have also made a visible contribution to the new web pages.
“We worked very closely with the design
agency, but the different offices were also given
the opportunity to give us feedback,” says GreveIsdahl.
“Specifically, we had more than 400 submissions for a photo contest earlier this year. We’re
now using many of these photos on the web
pages, so the employees have really made a
great and visible contribution to the pages.” ●
First foundation in place
the first wind energy generator foundation has been installed at Statkraft and
Statoil’s offshore wind farm Sheringham Shoal, off the coast of Norfolk, England.
The so-called monopole was put in place by the heavy-lift vessel “Svanen." A monopole
is a steel tube which forms the foundation for the wind energy generators. Then the transition piece between the foundation and turbine tower was lifted into place. The work on the
foundation is carried out by the construction company MTHøjgaard.
“Svanen” will carry on installing the 89 remaining foundations this autumn, before the
88 wind energy generators and the two transformer stations are installed in 2011.
Each foundation consists of a tubular steel monopole, driven 32 to 36 metres into the
seabed, and a transition piece mounted on top. The monopoles are between 50 and 55
metres long and weigh from 400 to 600 tonnes, while the transition pieces are 22 metres
high and weigh about 200 tonnes each.
people & power
11
Current affairs
Creating a better
working day
By using emendo, statkraft employees in all units
will help each other create a safer working day.
the system has been tested in a pilot study, and
the feedback is positive.
text: Cato gjertsen photo: alF Berg
e
mendo is an electronic non-conformance
and improvement system which will
be implemented in all Statkraft units.
Power Generation (PG) will start using
Emendo by 1 January. At the same time, the
Light Bulb and JobTech will be phased out.
improved overview
Anders Mathisen, a specialist consultant for
health and safety in PG, says there are two main
objectives for using Emendo.
“First of all, it is to ensure that each report
is handled in the best possible manner,” says
Mathisen. “For instance, the system instantly
provides the name of the person who, at any
given time, is responsible for a report, and who
is responsible for the actions. Furthermore, the
person who created the report will receive updates on the issue through e-mail, and be able
to continually check the status until it has been
closed. This clear and concise overview will
make it easier to process an issue in the best
possible manner. At the same time, employees
see that their involvement does matter. The
issue does not disappear into the big, black
beyond, and will be finalised.”
“The second main objective for Emendo is that
employees will learn from one another, across
units and responsibility boundaries, so that we
slightly improve all the time,” says Mathisen.
”But for people to be able to learn from their
colleagues, it is vital that they actively use the
system when they report a non-conformance
or have an improvement suggestion. This is the
only way the information quality in Emendo will
be good enough to create an apparent transfer
value. My impression is that Statkraft employees
do care about each other, even the ones they
don’t know personally, so I hope and believe it
will happen.”
Easy to use
In order for the threshold to report in Emendo to
be low, users must find the system easy to use.
And it is user-friendliness when reporting issues
that scored highest in the first assessment of the
pilot study at the Ulla Førre power plants.
"You enter through the portal, and a few easy
clicks later, you find the form you want," says HS
advisor Bente Gudmestad Løland in Region West
Norway. "Not only that, but the form is easy to
understand. The whole process is very efficient."
Employees without daily access to a computer
can make a written report to a colleague with
computer access. The remaining follow-up of the
report will, of course, be the same.
Løland says that about two-thirds of the
reported incidents in the pilot study dealt with
physical non-conformances or improvement
proposals, such as an escape route door being
locked, or loose rocks that could fall from a tunnel roof. The remaining reports mainly dealt with
non-conformances in various audits and reviews.
Graded by seriousness
All non-conformances and suggestions are
graded by degree of seriousness. This will make
it easier for a colleague to get useful information
if they want to prepare a report on a subject addressed by several other employees.
“Emendo is user-friendly, both when you want
to make a report on a non-conformance, and
later, when you want to use this information,”
Løland says. “Therefore, this is a system which
will be a great benefit in creating a better and
safer working day in the entire company. ●
my impression is that statkraft employees
do care about each other, even the ones
they don’t know personally.
anders mathisen, speCialist Consultant For health and saFety in pg.
12
statkraft
“The system is
easy to use,” says
HS adviser Bente
Gudmestad Løland
in Region West
Norway.
emendo
the environmental exPert
In each issue, we provide various environmental experts in Norway and
Europe with the opportunity to present their view on the energy solutions
of the future. Many have protested against the development of power lines
in Hardanger this summer. Former secretary general of the Friends of the
Earth Norway, Per Flatberg (73) was a key figure in the opposition
against the Mardøla and Alta hydropower developments 40 and 30
years ago respectively. We invited him to give us his view on hydropower
developments today.
“Would have done
it all over again”
About two-thirds of the reported incidents in the pilot study dealt with
physical non-conformances or improvement proposals, such as loose
rocks that could fall from a tunnel roof.
abOuT EmENdO:
a non-conformance and improvement system developed for, and to
be used by, the entire statkraft group. emendo will be available in
norwegian, english and german. the system is integrated with the sap
maintenance system.
the pilot study was carried out at the ulla Førre power plants from 7 june
to 2 july 2010.
the preliminary assessment shows that users find it easy to report issues
in emendo.
emendo will ensure that every reported incident is handled optimally, and
that users learn from observations made by others, across countries and
responsibility boundaries.
no persons must be named in the system, because all employees have
reading access. reports naming specific employees will be rejected.
statkraft should be praised for
its international hydropower initiatives. I find the strategy to develop
hydropower abroad reasonable.
It will replace much of the fossil
energy currently being used.
Statkraft is also very involved in
wind energy, and if I was the boss of
Statkraft, I’d continue these efforts.
But I would have focused on offshore,
not land-based, wind farms. This
would spare coastal landscapes.
I’m also not very enthusiastic
about major hydropower developments these days. I believe the impact
of all current projects represent a threat to bio diversity, just as major
hydropower developments in the past did. It is much wiser to focus on
energy efficiency rather than new developments and power lines. It is
necessary to move way from development and towards efficient use of
the energy we have!
I participated both in the Mardøla protests in 1970 and in the Alta
protests a decade later. At the time, I participated in an attempt to
stop development in both
i would have
places, and I would have
done exactly the same today.
focused on
Neither the Mardøla nor the offshore, not landAlta development should
based, wind farms.
have been carried out. The
this would spare
Mardøla development had
coastal landscapes .
a major negative impact on
the local population in the Eikesdalen valley, and basically destroyed the
magnificent Mardøla waterfalls, among our tallest and grandest waterfalls. The Alta development is a classic example of unwise decisions, and
even former Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland has admitted that it
should not have been carried out.
The development had major consequences for salmon fishing and
Sami interests, and destroyed one of the most amazing landscapes in
Northern Europe.
There are certain gains to be achieved from using alternative energy
sources, such as bio energy and wind energy, and I see a distinct development within solar energy and wave energy. However, it is more important
to focus on energy efficiency, where the potential is great. Reports from
the construction industry indicate that it is possible to reduce energy
consumption in the construction industry by 12 terawatt hours over 10
years. This equals almost 10 per cent of our total energy production. We
should also provide more support to regular people, so they can replace
their electric heaters with heat pumps and insulate their homes.
– Per Flatberg
people & power
13
Photo essay
Project manager Daniella Brakstad (in front) and
facility manager Monika Klungervik at the Rossåa
fish facility in northern Møre og Romsdal county
handle the net cage which will go in the river. The
smolt will remain in the cage for two or three days
to get accustomed to the new conditions, before
the hatch on the top is opened and the fish’s
new lives can begin.
14
statkraft
rossåa
sPawning
millions
two million roe, 450 000 little fish, two
gene banks and a nok 26 million
budget. Cultivation work in
statkraft is no joke.
photo: dag spant text: Birger Baug
people & power
15
Photo essay
Skilled worker Bjørnar Aasbø collects smolt
ready for tougher conditions in real life. From
here, the fish are placed in the trucks which
transport them to their new home.
we also want to be involved with the
fish after it has left the facility, even
though statkraft’s responsibility ends when
it has been introduced to the wild.
seCtion head, Fish and Cultivation, statkraFt, rume limstrand
16
statkraft
Bjørnar Aasbø operates the hose, followed by
Daniella Braktstad. Skilled worker Pål Vidar
Olsen (right) is at the back, ready to transfer the
fish from the tank to the net cage, while Erik
Sjølland has been seconded from the power
plant group to be the driver for the day.
rossåa
Monika Klungervik keeps a watchful
eye on Pål’s hands, as he gently
readies the smolt for transport.
people & power
17
Photo essay
The Rossåa fish facility is located in scenic surroundings at the very end of
the Todal fjord. In the background are Bjøråskaret and Skjerding mountains,
with peaks of 1 500 metres above sea level.
the ultimate goal is that the
rivers and stock will be selfreproducing, and we must give
them the best possible conditions
in order to achieve that.
seCtion head, Fish and Cultivation, statkraFt, rume limstrand
18
statkraft
rossåa
Pål Vidar Olsen (at the back) and Espen Sjølland have introduced a few thousand fish to
the wild over the course of their careers.
“in total, we are 24 full-time employees all
over Norway, with one facility in Finnmark county,
two in Nordland, two in Møre and Romsdal and
one in Hordaland. We’re also involved in several
other facilities around Norway,” says head of the
fish and cultivation section in Statkraft, Rune
Limstrand.
“We also do fish farming and cultivation in
a number of other Statkraft countries, but we
haven’t quite decided yet on how to organise and
possibly coordinate the work being done in the
various countries.”
Roe and fish restocking is one of the regulatory requirements for Statkraft being permitted
to develop river systems and produce energy.
Good results help build a good reputation,
and local governments are on board towards
a shared goal.
“In addition, the gene banks safeguard endangered salmon stocks. We operate these banks
on behalf of Norway’s Directorate of Nature
Management (DN). The ultimate goal is that the
rivers and stock will be self-reproducing, and we
must give them the best possible conditions in
order to achieve that,” Limstrand says.
One of the major projects Statkraft is involved
in, is to identify measure to prevent a large
number of salmon dying in the transition between river systems and fjords.
“We also want to be involved with the fish after
it has left the facility, even though Statkraft’s
responsibility ends when it has been introduced.
If the fish die in the sea, we will never reach our
goal of self-reproducing stock.”
The salmon operations tend to attract spectators of all ages. Perhaps the boys are planning
how to get the salmon back out of the water…
Limstrand and his colleagues want to make
sure that the lack of return of fish is not due to
the Group’s power generation or fish restocking.
“It is sad to stock fish, only to see that so
many die when they enter the sea. One of the
problems is the salmon louse which thrives in
the farming industry’s net cages and infects the
wild salmon. We hope to get the fish farmers in
on a new research project which will address
this issue.”
In any case, Statkraft’s cultivation history
dates back to the 1950s. The list over positive
contributions made by the fish department is
long, but one of the most positive is the Alta river
system, where the development sparked massive protests towards the end of the 1970s.
“This is very much a success story for
Statkraft. The local salmon production is now
higher than before the development, when the
river is seen as a whole. This story should really
be promoted as a gigantic success,” a very
pleased Limstrand says. The same can be said
of the reestablishment of the rivers Rana and
Røssåga, after they underwent rotenone treatment due to gyrodactilus salaries.
“These rivers have now received the green light
after receiving material from our gene bank in
Bjerka,” Limstrand says. ●
people & power
19
Current affairs
wiNd Farm a hiT wiTh ThE wElsh
A number of activities helped set the
mood during the event at Alltwalis.
statkraft hosted an open day at the alltwalis wind farm in Wales this summer.
More than 1 100 local residents turned up for a grand day out, with activities for
adults and kids alike.
”Our goal was to strengthen the relationship between Statkraft and the local community,
and let the locals experience the wind farm up close. In this regard, the event was a huge
success,” says Eivind Torblaa, who recently stepped down as head of Statkraft UK Ltd.
The wind farm is located in idyllic surroundings on a hill just outside the village of
Carmarthen, with sheep grazing between the wind energy generators. The area had been
transformed in to a bona-fide fun fair for the occasion, with a bouncy castle, rodeo, face
painting and circus skills workshops, as well as a number of other activities.
A band from the local school held a concert, and several local organisations were
involved in the programme for the day. Visitors received a tour of the facility, and could
enjoy a barbecue, ice cream and popcorn on the stunning summer’s day.
Several sceptics left the event with a different view of the wind farm, after having seen
the wind energy generators up close.
“They look amazing on the hillside,” one visitor said, while another was surprised by the
low noise levels. The event was covered by local paper Carmarthen Journal and BBC Wales.
50 new employees in Sweden next year
Power generation in sweden (Pgs) decided at the end of 2009 to
in-source operation and maintenance of Swedish power plants.
Since then, the project team has continued its work, and it has now
been confirmed that about 50 employees at contractor E.ON-ES have
accepted the offer to become Statkraft employees. They will become
our colleagues on 1 January 2011.
“We are pleased that so many accepted our offer,” says PGS regional
manager Per Nordlund. “We regard day-to-day operations and inspections
as an important strategic requirement for continuous improvement and
reinvestments, so that we, in the longterm, can realise the full potential
of the facilities. The fact that the majority of the crews have their day-today work at the facilities, improve these conditions.”
20
statkraft
410 000
statkraft’s traders in trondheim have now taken
on all responsibility for all physical and financial
power trading for Fjordkraft. this entails ensuring
electricity for more than 410 000 customers.
CEO Christian Rynning-Tønnesen had
much to discuss with the UK Minister
of State, Charles Hendry.
statkraft blows
ONs away
statkraft had a highly visible
presence at the renewable
energy Park, the renewable
energy section at the ONS energy
fair, held from 24 to 27 August in
Stavanger, Norway. More than
40 000 visitors attended ONS,
which is one of the largest energy
exhibitions in the world.
King Harald V opened the
Renewable Energy Park, right next
to Statkraft’s stand, and chatted
with President and CEO Christian
Rynnning-Tønnesen. RynningTønnesen also met with the British
Minister of State with special
responsibility for energy, Charles
Hendry, before they both attended
the Pure Energy for More People
seminar, hosted by Statkraft.
The main theme of the
seminar was offshore wind
energy, and the British
minister spoke about
the UK’s significant
initiatives in this field.
The wind energy development potential is
30 000 MW, equal to
a quarter of the UK’s
electricity consumption, and at least half of
this is planned for development within 2020. Hendry
stressed that it is important
that companies such as Statkraft
invest in this development,
promising predictable framework
conditions.
Gener a
to
part y i r
alltwa n
lis
Laget gjorde en strålende førstekamp i Norway Cup, og klarte også
målet om å komme til sluttspillet.
made Norway cup history
for the first time in the history of norway Cup a Nepalese boys’
team participated in the football tournament. Statkraft, SN Power, BKK
and HPL sponsored the team’s participation.
The Kirne NC team 2010 is a local team, comprising players from two
villages called Kirne and Devitar in Nepal, near the small community
that was created when Statkraft started construction of Khimti I. The
power plant has been in operation for ten years now, and has Norwegian ownership interests through SN Power and BKK, as well as an
operations and maintenance contract through Statkraft.
As part of the ten year anniversary, it was suggested we sponsor
a team for Norway Cup. Players were also treated to trips to the
Holmenkollen ski jump, the Royal Palace, Tusenfryd amusement park,
Hunderfossen amusement park and a boat outing on the Oslo fjord.
The boys are from a poor agricultural area, where the residents earn
barely enough to feed their families. Most of the houses are made from
rocks and red clay, while some of the boys live in bamboo houses.
And now football. The team’s goal was clear. They wanted to advance
to the knock-out stages. They started brilliantly with a 10-0 victory in
their first match. The following games were a bit slower, but the team
did make it to the knock-out stages. However, they lost their first match,
but still had a great debut in the world’s largest football tournament.
Caption: The team played a brilliant starting match in Norway Cup,
and reached its goal to advance to the knock-out stages.
Germany strengthens communications
New communicators, from the left, Stefanie Hauke (Landesbergen), Sabine Reisz (Hürth-Knapsack), Michael Hans (German hydropower plants), Nesrin Schierling (Hürth-Knapsack)
and Stefanie Buss (Emden).
the düsseldorf communications team has now received local
support from the German power plants. Five employees have received
training in Group policies regarding branding and design, media contact,
sponsorships and Statkraft’s information channels (such as intranet,
People&Power and brochures). They now have a complete understanding of Statkraft’s processes, regulations and guidelines.
This means that employees can seek advice from their local
contact, or the Düsseldorf communications team, regarding their
communication needs.
“We have seen good results already after two months,” says Anne
Joeken, communications manager for Germany. “We will definitely
expand the network further.”
150
at smøla the eagle population
has now increased to 65-70 pairs,
and some individual birds, making
the total population about 150 sea
eagles. Since the completion of the
wind farm in 2005, 35 dead eagles
have been recovered, but the population is now healthy and growing.
people & power
21
feature
22
statkraft
river systems and the environment
Biotopes, introducing roe, mountain seeds,
wild reindeer, condition reviews and camping.
Utilising energy from a river is a complex task.
By Cato gjertsen, ellen jarli (photo), suldal muniCipality (photo) and torgeir sollid (illustration)
people & power
23
feature
Water anguish
marilyn marskar works on challenges that, no matter
the solution, will affect statkraft’s power production
in norwegian river systems for decades ahead.
h
ydropower is a renewable resource
the world wants more of. Many would
therefore claim that Statkraft should
produce at maximum capacity, so
that the company fully realises its
potential, and at the same time maximises profit.
“However, producing renewable energy does
involve some negative local impact in connection
with reduced water flow in rivers and changes to
the water level in reservoirs, as well as aspects
which may impact tourism and bio diversity,” says
Marilyn Marskar, environmental adviser in Power
Generation.
On the other had, reduced flood risk, increased
accessibility to hiking areas and municipal tax
income are examples of positive local impact.
Using knowledge and experience, Statkraft
believes it is possible to balance the various interests in connection with renewable power generation and local environmental considerations.
20 reviews until 2022
When licenses are granted for river system
regulation, the terms which define how the water
system is to be regulated are also set. A total of
340 hydropower licenses could, under Norwegian legislation, be up for review by 2022. About
20 of these belong to Statkraft. Together with
local governments and other stakeholders, Marilyn and her colleagues will find the solutions that
best combine the need for renewable energy
production and local environmental concerns.
These reviews primarily provide the opportunity
to set new terms to alleviate environmental damage as a result of hydropower developments.
Each license contains a set of terms regarding
the production, and which state everything from
water flow to the lowest level in the reservoir at a
given time during the year. During the reviews, it
is these terms that are looked at, not the actual
license. Issues such as fish restocking, clearing
24
statkraft
and refilling restrictions for reservoirs are discussed and reviewed. The actual river regulation,
with the maximum and minimum regulated water
flow rates (water flow regulations) can not be
changed however. Neither can civil law issues or
business interest issues.
In the end, it is the government, after recommendations from the Norwegian Water Resources
and Energy Directorate (NVE), and the Ministry of
Petroleum and Energy (MPE) who decide how to
balance the need for renewable energy produc-
there’s a long
list of dilemmas,
and we almost never
have an answer that’s
100 per cent right or
wrong.
environmental adviser, poWer generation,
marilyn marskar
tion with local environmental impact, by setting
the terms which, after a comprehensive review,
are in the best interest of society.
From the 1950s
The license term reviews apply to licenses
granted before or during the 1950s.
“In the 1950s, other considerations were made,
and there was a different focus on environmental
considerations than today. These change with
the term reviews, but the stricter the regulations
become, the less flexibility the power plants will
have in terms of maximising the energy production.
This is a balancing NVE must do, based on input
from all involved parties, with the host communities
and Statkraft as two of the most important,” says
Marilyn Marskar.
She is one of several employees who are
in dialogue with municipalities, commission
studies and assess the working of Statkraft’s
feedback to NVE. Marskar says one of the most
exciting aspects of her job, is that in every step
of the process, she faces major considerations.
“How far should we go in promoting certain
environmental measures, when we at the same
time seek to maintain our production basis and
flexibility? Is it better that we suggest solutions
river systems and the environment
One step ahead
that would reduce our production ability, rather
than NVE deciding it for us? And how would
various solutions affect how people regard us,
locally and in general?” “There’s a long list of
dilemmas, and we almost never have an answer
that’s 100 per cent right or wrong. We focus on
showing that there are a number of measures
that can be introduced, without weakening
the flexibility of the energy production. Very
important measures include restocking fish and
improving spawning conditions for fish. It is also
possible to facilitate camping and fishing. Not
least, other measures could be introduced for
other species impacted by the development,
such as in Aura, where a solution was found
to make it easier for wild reindeer to cross the
Aursjø reservoir,” Marskar says.
“Each river regulation is unique, with different
requests and local demands. We want to have a
good dialogue and so it remains to see what the
authorities change. Regardless, their decisions
will be one of the most important guidelines for
Statkraft’s activities in Norwegian river systems
in the decades to come.” ●
“despite the already very strict regulations from the authorities, Statkraft
continuously works to find out how we can
safeguard the environment even better,”
says section head for the environment and
licenses, Vegard Pettersen.
There is hardly any other country in the
world, besides Norway, with as strict
legislation to regulate the energy industry to
achieve the most sustainable development.
Under this legislation, the water resources
and environmental authorities in Norway
can demand changes in river management,
and order companies to implement improvement measures, restock fish and carry out
environmental studies.
Still, in some cases, Statkraft chooses
to go beyond the regulatory requirements,
according to Pettersen. Through voluntary
measures, studies and self-imposed restrictions, the company emphasises making an
extra effort for local communities and the
environment.
Pettersen says the self-imposed restrictions are closely tied to how Statkraft has
been formed by its history. He points out
that ever since the start, Statkraft has had
a strong local involvement with the various
river systems. And locally, one always had
to keep in mind how to limit the negative
impact.
“It is important to us to be a good neighbour. Since we constructed the facilities,
we have constantly acquired new expertise,
which we use to improve the sustainable
power production. When we now see new
opportunities to use and expand this expertise, it sometimes results in a self-imposed
restriction or a voluntary measure. By doing
this, we would like to show the world that we
are conscious of our environmental responsibility, at the same time as we unite this
with financially sound power generation. In
the long term, we therefore safeguard the
possibility of continued high sustainable
production,” Pettersen says.
people & power
25
feature
Working the river system
statkraft uses a wide spectrum of measures in regulated river systems.
here you can learn about some of the most important ones.
7
3
8
1
8
2
4
26
statkraft
5
river systems and the environment
1
goals for fish-related work
2
measures to imProve biotoPes
3
oils adaPted to the environment
4
studies of freshwater biology
5
roe Planting
6
fish Cultivation
7
mountain seed bank
8
fishing and CamPing
9
wild reindeer
Facilitate self-reproducing stock, and
introduce fish where restoration measures
are not enough.
Measures to maintain the biodiversity
of river system. The measures promote
natural processes in the river system and
improve living conditions for fish.
At the Pålsbu power plant, oils adapted
to the environment are used. These oils
degrade quicker. Any leaks will, as a result,
have less impact on the environment.
9
Hydropower production impacts living
conditions in the river. In order to gain sufficient knowledge, studies are carried out
at 20 Norwegian salmon fishing rivers and
several reservoirs.
In order to simulate a natural spawning pit, roe is placed in grate boxes.
Planting roe provides young fish that are
better adapted to the river system than with
normal restocking.
Statkraft’s six fish cultivation facilities
in Norway and Sweden produce fish and
roe which are introduced to regulated
areas. Statkraft also operates two of
Norway’s three salmon gene banks.
6
A mountain seed bank is being
developed in order to revegetate dams
with local flora. The bank safeguards
biodiversity and reduces the negative
impact of alien flora.
The “Along the river” project will
increase accessibility to river banks.
Shelters, fishing spots, hiking trails, bridges,
rest areas and swimming areas are being
constructed.
Mapping wild reindeer migration
patterns and grazing areas. The project will
increase knowledge of the consequences
infrastructure could have for wild reindeer.
people & power
27
feature
The Låga Bridge restored to its former glory.
bridging the gap
last year, residents of the suldal valley had an old and dear bridge reopened, due to
support from statkraft. across norway, local communities are being helped by the
”along the river” project. europe is up next.
F
or a long time, the old Låga
Bridge was an important thoroughfare between the communities on opposite sides
of the River Suldalslågen,
but due to increasing decay,
the bridge was closed to all
traffic in the 1990s. Many
wanted the old bridge reopened, but Suldal
municipality gave priority to a larger and “more
important” bridge instead. Supporters of the
old bridge had to face the fact that there were
not enough funds to restore their beloved
mast bridge.
“means a lot”
But then word of the “Along the river” project
reached the municipality. The Ulla-Førre plants
are located near the Låga Bridge, and Statkraft
28
statkraft
decided to support a restoration project. The
total cost was NOK 600 000, and with a NOK
150 000 guarantee from Statkraft, the funding
was in place. Restoration work started, and in
November 2009, the mayor could finally reopen
the Låga Bridge to traffic.
Project manager Bjarte Skipevåg in Suldal
municipality is very happy with Statkraft’s
contribution.
“The bridge would almost certainly have
remained closed had it not been for Statkraft,”
Skipevåg says. “Through this, the company has
demonstrated that it takes on an important responsibility for the local community and the people who live here. The feedback from the locals
has been unanimously positive. In fact, I can’t
recall ever being part of a project that has been
so well-received by all. That says something
about the position the bridge has locally, and
why Statkraft’s contribution is so important.”
“along the river” reaches far
“Along the river” is a project aimed at introducing
environmental measures in and along regulated
river systems, so that the utilitarian value increases for more people. Many of the measures
are also intended to increase biodiversity, by
for instance improving and expanding spawning areas, and creating better hiding places for
young fish.
“Statkraft has opted for a wide interpretation
of the environment concept. This is why the
project also includes environmental measures
such as new shelters and swimming areas which
restore cultural heritage sites and facilitation of
various trail types in connection with Statkraftregulated river systems.
The project was initiated in 2007, and will run
river systems and the environment
“I can’t recall ever being part of a project that has been this wellreceived by all,” says project manager Bjarte Skipevåg in Suldal
municipality (in front, left). Pictured here together with Mayor Torkel
Myklebust during the opening of the bridge.
the good neighbour
often, statkraft believes it has the best solution for all
kinds of challenges. But sometimes it is good to let others identify the
answers.
This is the case with the “Along the river” project, where resources
will be spent on environmental measures in and along regulated river
systems. The first step in the process is Statkraft providing information
about “Along the river” in local media, asking for input. Individuals, municipalities, organisations and associations then describe projects they
seek support for. When the list of measures takes shape, a joint review
determines the measures that will have the greatest benefit for the local
community. If it is financial support, Statkraft will make the payment upon
completion of the project.
”We have received very good feedback from local communities on the
projects and how we go about assessing them,” says Kåre Paulsen, river
system and environmental affairs coordinator in Region Western Norway.
“Although we do have a significant presence in the regions, in the end, it
is the local population who is best equipped to have an opinion on how
they wish to use their surroundings and areas at our power plants.”
He believes the most important reason why “Along the river” has
been received so well is that the project has a distinct Statkraft brand
to it, meaning that dialogue and transparency are at the forefront.
“In addition to “Along the river”, Statkraft has regular meetings with all
its host communities,” Paulsen says. “During these meetings, we provide early
information on any plans the company wishes to implement. This message can
then be communicated to the rest of the municipality, so that we then can get
feedback and objections. It is important that Statkraft always remains open
and by the book, so that the local population continues to trust us. The experiences made during “Along the river” are a good tool in this regard.
Statkraft contributed NOK 150 000
to the restoration of the bridge.
for five years. During this time, Statkraft will
spend about NOK 15 million on approximately
50 projects, and also provide expertise and
labour from its own ranks,” section head
Vegard Pettersen of environmental affairs
and licenses says.
The project has been well received by the host
communities for the power plants, and Statkraft
is also pleased with the execution and effect of
the measures. In fact, the results have been so
good, that “Along the river” projects have been
in fact, the results have been so good,
that “along the river” projects have been
approved in the company’s new regions in
germany, sweden and wales.
approved in the company’s new regions in Germany, Sweden and Wales. In coming months,
the company will take the lessons learned in
Norway, assess local conditions, and start
introducing measures at the top of the wish list. ●
people & power
29
teChnology & the environment
statkraft powers
Turkish homes
statkraft is now, for the first time, delivering clean hydropower to the Turkish market
from its very own hydropower plant. The Cakit
power plant is Statkraft’s first hydropower
plant in Turkey, where the demand for
electricity is expected to double by 2020.
Statkraft is planning several other major
hydropower plants in the country.
“Statkraft’s initiatives in Turkey have
good profitability and contribute more clean
energy to Europe. Jobs and local development
are also created,” says President and CEO
Christian Rynning-Tønnesen.
The Cakit hydropower plant will deliver
electricity to the Turkish energy market.
Cakit will have an annual average production
of 95 GWh, enough to supply 32 000 Turkish
households with electricity. Statkraft is
working on an additional three projects
in Turkey.
all’s good that Ems well
statkraft is finally starting construction of its first wind
farm in sweden. The Em wind farm outside Mönsterås will consist
of four wind energy generators, with a combined installed capacity
of 9.2 MW. Construction started in June, and will, according to plan,
continue for nine months. The investment will be SEK 130 million.
The wind farm is a result of the collaboration with Södra
Skogsägarna, which started last autumn. The agreement includes
electricity and district heating deliveries to Södra’s plants, and
development of 600 MW wind energy on Södra-owned land.
30
statkraft
Statkraft has also entered a partnership with Europe’s largest private forest owner, SCA, in central Sweden. SCA Vind AB has received
licenses for six wind farms with a combined installed capacity of
1 140 MW in Jämtland and Västernorrland counties.
Statkraft has a total of 1 150 MW of wind energy in detailed planning in Sweden, enough to supply 120 000 households.
record year for
offshore wind
during the first half of 2010, 118 new offshore wind
energy generators were connected to the power grid.
According to new figures from the European Wind
Energy Association EWEA, the 118 wind energy
generators have a combined capacity of 333 MW,
well over half the 577 MW offshore wind energy
installed last year. This proves that the growth
in offshore wind energy is strong, despite the
financial crisis. According to EWEA, an additional 151 wind energy generators (440
MW) were installed, but not connected
to the power grid.
“The number of wind energy
generators connected to the power
grid in the first half of this year,
are well over half the total
number of wind energy
generators installed last
year, and I feel confident
that this will be a record
year for wind energy,"
Justin Wilkies, policy
director of EWEA, says.
Power on the river
is it possible to generate power from biomass
using a run-over-the-river plant? Well, not
quite, but the power plant can at least provide some
of the biomass.
Head of the German hydropower group, Maik
Thalman, has lots of ideas, and wants, quite
literally, to get the most out of the power
plants. Every year, 1 000 tonnes of floating
waste ends up in the debris catchers at
Statkraft’s German powr plants. These
catchers collect waste and heaps of wood
chips. In fact, 28 of 30 collected cubic
metres are biomass.
The first theoretical and visible results
from the Robert Franck biomass power
plant confirm that the waste quality is
sufficient to be used in power generation.
The time has now come to find out if the project
is profitable.
“We really hope that the result from the ongoing trials
will be positive,” says Thalman.
“It would be a pity not to use a valuable resource that,
quite literally, comes floating. Incineration of driftwood
results in unexpected synergies and an eco-friendly
cycle, so this would fit very well with Statkraft’s goals.”
Providin
g
light fo
r
32 000
turkish
h
ome s
OsmOTic POwEr, ThE amEricaN way
this summer’s membrane conference in san diego, which Statkraft
co-sponsored, was a massive success.
More than 100 participants from industrial and research communities working
to produce membranes for osmotic
power generation and clean water
production took part. There was a great
interest in the experiences Statkraft has
gained from the osmotic power plant
at Tofte.
The conference’s purpose was to
gather the top people within development and commercialisation of membrane technologies. Cooperation across
company and geographic boundaries is
vital if osmotic power is to be a technology to be reckoned with in the future.
It is worth noting that US authorities
contributed both with speakers and
audience during the conference. A major
North American energy company, Hydro
Quebec, gave its support to osmotic
power as a possible next-generation
solution they wish to invest in during its
representative’s speech.
Statkraft’s osmotic power boss
Stein Erik Skilhagen was impressed
by the progress made since the first
osmotic power conference in Amsterdam in 2008.
“New research communities are
emerging, and significant resources
are being allocated to bring forth new
membrane solutions. The next osmotic
power prototype is already in the
start-up phase in Japan,” Skilhaugen
says, adding that Statkraft is gaining
wide-spread recognition.
“There are great expectations as to
what Statkraft is doing in this field, and
there is a lot of focus on the experiences
from the osmotic power plant at Tofte,”
Skilhagen says.
70
the height of
wind energy
generators is
usually between
63 and 70 meters.
if you add the
rotor diameter,
they become
almost as high
as the 117 metre
high oslo Plaza.
people & power
31
visit
vignett
Well done! When the carbon teams – at long last – were able to meet at
the same time, there was a lot that needed to be ‘aired’; as evidenced by
our informal windmill test. Here Vinka Hildebrandt, Rodolfo Azanza, Mari
Viddal, Suman Basnet and Kristine Kjelaas test their lungs.
no more Pajama Parties
they work in very different parts of the world, and eat in different
time zones. Usually when project development and carbon credits
are on the agenda, at least one of them is still in their pJs. However, here in lovely son, the sN power and statkraft carbon teams
are finally united in the same place, and at the same time.
text: helena aina Zissis Photo: dag sPant
32
statkraft
Carbon teams
lunch with:
Around the table, from left: Mari Viddal,
Kristine Kjelaas, Suman Basnet, Rodolfo
Azanza, Vinka Hildebrandt.
The carbon Teams in
sTaTkrafT and sn Power
The carbon teams in sn Power
and statkraft have completed
their first joint workshop. The
two companies share many of the
same interests, with understanding of the carbon market,
particularly the clean development mechanism (cdm), and
large-scale hydropower being
two of the most notable shared
issues. one of the results of the
workshop was an agreement to
develop a joint policy memo that
can be used in the market.
t
he carbon teams’ work
covers everything from
project development to purchase and sale of carbon
credits, to different types
of analysis. The discussions that
took place during the workshop at
Son Spa covered all aspects of the
activities, and included exchanging
opinions on how the carbon market
will develop after 2012.
This was the very first time that
Statkraft and SN Power employees
were gathered in a single location.
Nearly the entire SN Power carbon
team was in place, with its representatives from Nepal, the Philippines/Vietnam, Chile, Singapore
and Oslo. For many of them, their
daily work involves working closely
with the local projects to facilitate
that the projects qualify for CDM.
Therefore, the workshop was a
useful opportunity to share experiences – over lunch!
dinner or Pjs?
“The workshop is a great opportunity
to bring together participants from
the entire value chain in the carbon
teams – from projects to trading.
The on-site representatives try to
hold monthly telephone conferences, often with one colleague in
their PJs and another just sitting
down to dinner, but there is nothing
quite like a good, old-fashioned
face-to-face meeting. This makes
it easier to pick up the phone later,”
says Suman Basnet, SN Power’s
representative in Nepal.
“Yes; not to mention the professional input, which is great! Here,
those of us who normally follow the
development projects very closely
can sit and discuss things with
representatives from other parts
of the operation. This increases
our understanding of the process,”
says Rodolfo Azanza from SN Power
in the Philippines.
“Statkraft’s trading and analysis
team is also represented, which
adds an extra dimension to project
development, which we follow on a
day-to-day basis,” adds Basnet.
wide-ranging market
exPerienCe
The participants have plenty to learn
from each other – although experience gained from a project in one
country is not necessarily similar
in a different project.
“Many things are specific to the
individual countries. CDM is still
a young market in a small country
like Nepal, which is why personal
relationships are still important,”
says Basnet.
“In Chile, one of the main challenges is to explain how the CDM
market functions in relation to the
energy market,” says Vinka Hildebrandt, CDM manager in Chile.
“SN Power has been a pioneer
in the CDM market. We have
convinced the UN to change the
methodology for new hydropower
projects and upgrades of existing
projects,” says Azanza, and adds:
“Europe leads the field when it
comes to carbon trading, but the
markets in Africa and Central Asia
are developing rapidly, and it’s
important to be prepared.”
very benefiCial CooPeration
Around the lunch table, everyone
agrees that the integration of SN
Power and Statkraft provides good
opportunities for cooperation,
precisely when it comes to future
positions in new and existing carbon markets.
While SN Power is a direct developer of CDM projects worldwide,
Statkraft contributes market support, trading and analyses.
“We benefit from each others’
experience,” says Kristine Kjelaas,
Director of Climate Programmes
in SN Power.
“The most recent updates and
analyses from the trading group are
good examples of useful information
– particularly with a view towards
development of the carbon market
after 2012,” says Mari Viddal in
Statkraft. Cooperation between
SN Power and Statkraft has been
further intensified over the last six
months in that she and Anne Bolle
have worked one day per week with
SN Power’s CDM team. One of their
tasks was to assist in the process
of obtaining approval for the CDM
in the UN system.
a gathering of exPerts
“Meeting as a group to discuss
challenges and opportunities
across the value chain gives us the
chance to strengthen our market
positions in the future. It is very
good that experts at all levels are
gathered and can explain their
fields to the other participants.
This makes the work more interesting for everyone because you
gain a better understanding of
the entire process, and it helps
reinforce the feeling of being an
important contributor to the value
chain,” says Kjelaas.
“Yes, this is excellent networking,”
says Basnet; with a particular nod
to the strong representation from
Statkraft’s trading and analysis
divisions.
“For those of us involved in the
“first stage”, close to the development projects, it is very motivating
to hear about the experiences
of the carbon players who trade
credits in Amsterdam and Oslo.” ●
the Power Challenge …
… is People & Power’s informal lunch-room contest, where the question is
which units have the highest lung capacity in the statkraft system. The
annual winner will receive a small surprise by mail.
ranking:
1) The statkraft and sn Power carbon teams: 147.7 ma
2) The employees at statkraft's hydropower plant in rheidol, wales: 110 ma
3) The employees at statkraft's istanbul office: 100.4 ma
147.7
ma
for the record: The result is the
highest recorded reading, stated
in milliamperes.
people & power
33
the Position
Tormod schei (60)
Born and raised at torshov, oslo
Position: vice president of environment, statkraft
education: Biology degree, university of oslo
Civil status: resides in stevik, outside Fredrikstad.
married, three children
outside of work: reads a lot, especially science
magazines, but is also fond of science fiction books.
sings tenor in a barbershop group with a group of
mates. Can often be spotted on the fjord in his boat.
representative for the liberal party on the planning and
environmental Committee in Fredrikstad municipality.
Tormod Schei knows nothing better than donning his
blue cap and spending time on the fjord with his day
cruiser. “This is the greatest cap in the world,” he says.
“I’ve had it since ‘93, it floats, can be crunched up and
has a strap to go under your chin! I wrote a letter to
the manufacturer in the US, asking them to resume
production, but unfortunately, they said no.”
34
statkraft
tormod sChei
vice president of environment tormod schei strongly believes renewable energy
sources can replace oil and coal. he just needs to convince the rest of the world.
having been on the stage at royal albert hall in london might come in handy.
TexT: sissel FantoFt PhoTo: ellen johanne jarli
the man who wanted to
people & power
35
the Position
h
e greets us in the reception
area at the head office in Lilleaker with a big smile, and
guides us to his small office.
“I’ve been stressed over this
interview all week,”
he says.
“I’m not too comfortable with the focus being
on me. But I have a great job that I can say a lot
about!”
For 10 years, Tormod Schei was the senior
environment adviser in Statkraft. He holds a
biology degree and has worked as a teacher.
He has also worked in the municipality sector
and as a consultant. A year ago, he was given
the managerial role in a separate environmental
affairs department at Group level, with three
senior advisers.
“We function as advisers for the entire Group,
and will safeguard Statkraft’s environmental
interests,” he says. “We will take an active part
in influencing the framework conditions, both
nationally and internationally, be present during
projects and make sure the environment is safeguarded. Developments in environmental affairs
have been rapid in recent years, and Statkraft
is at the very front. Our environmental approach
will make us more competitive and even provide
us with new business opportunities!”
Great potential
Tormod Schei is convinced the climate is changing, and that this is at the hands of humans.
“I think the climate sceptics have based their
doubts on the wrong foundation, and have
gotten caught up in the details,” says Schei. “Oil
and gas free carbon from subterranean storage,
and when we release CO2 into the atmosphere,
the greenhouse layer gets thicker. The result is
a warmer, wetter and wilder climate. In addition,
bio diversity is reduced and the seas become
more acidic. Statkraft’s role in the fight against
climate change is to deliver renewable energy.”
He believes energy from sources such as
water, wind, sun and wave/tide probably could
replace oil and coal.
“The great thing about hydropower is its flexibility,” says Schei. “When it clouds over, solar
energy is out, the same goes for wind energy
when the wind doesn’t blow. But water can be
stored in reservoirs, and there is a great potential here.”
He leans forward, pleased to explain.“To take
one example, we’re involved in a project in
Laos, where Statkraft subsidiary Nordic Hydropower has a 20 per cent stake. The remainder
is owned by the Laotian government and a Thai
company. I was there in April and they’re doing
some really fascinating work. They already
have a hydropower plant without a reservoir,
a so-called run-of-the-river plant, and it is
now being expanded with a massive reservoir,
which will ensure stable energy generation
even in the dry season. The process entails
major infrastructure projects, and several villages will be moved. We are taking on the role
as the responsible owner to make sure that
36
statkraft
people are treated well.
The families get new housing, electricity, health
services, schools and roads, and kitchen gardens and fields to provide them with increased
income. This is a great example of a sustainable hydropower development.”
Nerve-racking process
All interference with the environment has positive and negative consequences. Sometimes
people will have to move when new hydropower
plants are developed, for example. Sometimes
wildlife is affected – at our wind farm on Smøla,
for instance, sea eagles sometimes fly into the
generators.
“There is no energy source without any
negative consequences,” says Schei. “Society
needs to decide what consequences are acceptable And when these tradeoffs do occur,
it is important to show that we take responsibility in everything we do. We try to systematically improve all the time.”
The UN climate panel, IPCC, is currently
preparing a special report on global renewable
energy strategies. Tormod Schei has prepared
the chapter on hydropower.
“I’m both humbled and a bit anxious when
it comes to this,” he says. “After all, there
are a lot of people in Statkraft who know a
lot more about hydropower than I do. I was
nominated by Norwegian authorities, together
with hydrology professor Aanun Killingtveit. The
hydropower group comprises nine people from
all over the world, and it is a nerve-racking
process. The final draft will be submitted over
Christmas, and I hope it goes well. This will be
the advice to world leaders on how to handle
hydropower until 2100.”
long summers outdoors
When Tormod Schei gives advice to world leaders, it is based on a strong interest in nature,
an interest he has had since his childhood
”My mum died when I was still little, and my
dad, who worked at the tax office, was left with
me and my brother, who has a brain injury,” he
explains. “Back then it was unthinkable that he
would have the sole responsibility for the two of
us, so my dad’s family took my brother with them
to Western Norway, while I spent long summers
with my mum’s family in Fredrikstad.”
Built at the mouth of the Glomma river, this
beautiful area of riverside trails, forests, bogs,
hills and beautiful ponds is where his love affair
with nature, and with Fredrikstad started, so it
comes as no surprise that he made this town his
home 23 years ago with his wife and three kids.
His early interest in nature and the environment
led him to earn a biology degree in the 1970s,
and a major in ecology with specialisation in
freshwater ecology and salmon.
“It was a conscious choice to stop doing research after my degree, because I rather wanted
to use my knowledge of the ecosystems in
society,” he says. “Statkraft is the only place I’ve
been where I can make use of absolutely all my
experiences, so you could say this is my ideal job.”
When he is not working, he reads a lot or goes
out on the fjord in his boat. As well, he sings in a
barbershop group, and every other year, he and
his musical mates go on a boys-only trip.
“We’ve been to London and Barcelona, and
the next trip will be Berlin. We sing on the
streets and in the pubs, we even sang at Royal
Albert Hall! We were on a guided tour, and
when we came to the stage, we sang a song.
Not everybody can say that!” ●
there is no energy source without
any negative consequences. society
needs to decide what consequences are
acceptable.
The advisers in Statkraft’s environmental department say Schei is a great boss. He is pictured here together with Åse
Roen. “My leadership philosophy is to make sure the staff is stimulated at work, so that they can develop,” says Schei.
“We have a great environment in our department, but I’ve been told I need to improve on keeping up with my e-mails.”
tormod sChei
statkraft
is the only
place i’ve been
where i can make
use of absolutely all
my experiences.
people & power
37
hse
the greatest
”disaster” in history
Before summer, statkraft held the largest disaster
drill in company history in landesbergen, germany.
text and photo: judith tanninger
t
he drill was held at the city’s
gas power plant and simulated a gas explosion with
13 casualties. A total of 240
emergency response workers
and employees were involved in the drill,
which lasted several hours. This is the
single largest drill ever held by Statkraft,
regardless of country.
drill, drill, drill
The purpose was to check if the gas
power plant’s emergency preparedness
functioned as intended, and just a select
few were aware that a drill was at hand.
Strengths and weaknesses with the plan
were monitored and assessed, as were
the efforts by the plant’s own employees
and those of the emergency services.
The preliminary results have already
been applied to other ”what if” drills.
”The best practice we can get for a crisis
situation – which we of course hope never
happens – is to drill, drill, drill and then
drill some more. This principle applies
both to the theory and practice,” says
HSE manager Stefan Rembges.
annual drills
”We plan to hold one practical drill like this
at each power plant annually. This is the
only way employees will gain the expertise
and confidence they need if they face an
actual disaster,” Rembges says.
New hsE director
Claudia hauge is the functioning HSE SVP after
Torbjørn Lyngestad started in a new position in Power
Generation on 1 June.
“In Statkraft we have ambitious goals as regards
health, safety and the environment, both domestically
and abroad. The HSE SVP position is both very exciting
and challenging,” Hauge says. “Our goal is to avoid
injuries in Statkraft, and this applies both to our own
employees and to contractors in consolidated and associated operations. This means that we must improve
38
statkraft
implementation of Statkraft’s HSE requirements with
our suppliers in all projects, and to implement a system
for learning from serious incidents, near accidents and
hazardous conditions across the consortium,” Hauge
says. She has plenty of experience with HSE. Her background includes heading the health and safety section of
the Group’s HSE staff, and she has more than 20 years
experience from working with HSE. Hauge started in
Statkraft in 2007, and was appointed VP of health and
safety in July 2008.
Mads Magnussen is now the functioning VP of health
and safety.
what is your view on
starting work in statkraft?
trude frydenberg (47),
senior adviser, TcT nn,
sandefjord
There was plenty to do for emergency workers. Here
we see one of the 13 ”casualties” being brought to
the ambulance
"I paid close attention
when Statkraft acquired
Fjordkraft’s portfolio this
spring. Fjordkraft is an end-user company, with
a strong customer focus, and for this reason I
feel I bring very valuable experience to the table.
It will be exciting to be a part of Statkraft, which
has experts in every part of the value chain. I
have a mobile office, and will be travelling extensively to Trondheim and Oslo to keep in touch
with my professional environments.”
gordon lugsdin (30),
Ports, vessels and logistics
manager, reading, Uk
“I started in Statkraft to be
a part of the Forewind consortium. I previously worked as
Port Operations Manager in a UK company, but
wanted a new challenge in a different company
and learn their values. Statkraft is an important
player in renewable energy in the UK, and I look
forward to being part of the company’s future
plans and ambitions.”
A total of 240 people were involved in the largest drill in
Statkraft history.
eirik mo (31),
analyst, emd, Trondheim
“There was a pretty steep
learning curve, and I quickly
received operational responsibilities. I was well received
by a department with four women. All five of us
are very athletic, and I’m proud that we’re at the
top of the physical exercise competition “Energy
for Life”. I’ve already paddled home from work
on the Nidelva River. As a doctor of statistics I
hope to be involved in developing better analyses of uncertainties in the price prognoses.”
julie advocaat lund (24),
controller, Treasury department, lilleaker
It was easy to see that the fire hose was one of the
things that worked best during the drill.
“I graduated from the University of Edinburgh in May,
where I took business studies
with focus on finance. In June, I had my first day
in Statkraft. I already feel that this is a company
where I can grow. I also feel that my position fits
what I see as my career ladder in an exciting,
future-oriented company, with focus on renewable forms of energy.”
New chief security Officer
statkraft …
morten h. rørvik will be the new Chief Security Officer in Statkraft,
when Petter Sørensen retires at the end of the year. Until this date,
Rørvik will be the assistant Chief Security Officer.
Rørvik was hired in March 2009, as senior health and safety adviser
in the HSE Group staff. He holds a Master of Letter in Middle East Security from the University of Aberdeen, and a Master of Military Arts and
Sciences (eq.) from the Royal Norwegian Air Force Academy/Norwegian
Defence Command and Staff College. Rørvik’s has extensive experience
as an air force officer and senior adviser in Flack Notec Crisis Management AS, including crisis management and preparedness planning/
management, with special focus on strategy at the Group level.
Statkraft is the European leader in renewable
energy. The Group develops and produces
hydropower, wind power, gas power and district
heating, and is a major player on the European
energy exchanges. Statkraft has more than
3200 employees in more than 20 countries.
people & power
39
the history lesson
energe
t
motto iC
a piCture
says more
than a
thousand
Words
this poster is from a time
when power line construction
not only had the backing of
the labour Party, but of the
entire population. the message seems to be as long as
pylons are built, the nation can
have a bight outlook.
the labour election poster
from the 1950s, dates back to when
Statkraft, the Norwegian Water
Resources and Energy Directorate
and Statnett were all one company.
But today, when Statnett, now a
separate and very much lambasted
company, wants to construct power
lines and cables, the reaction is quite
different. All of Hordaland County
seems to be up in arms over the decision by Statnett and the government
to construct a number of large pylons,
partly over and partly on the side of the
world famous Hardanger fjord. People
don’t want to see cables, but they agree
that securing a power supply for Bergen
is a worthy goal.
Perhaps this poster could help explain
the difficulty Labour has with seeing anything but massive pylons in Hardanger.
Then again, campaign promises do have
limited shelf life. Which is perhaps why
some party members want to compromise
with the protesters and give the subsea
cable alternative a more thorough review.
Illustration: Archives of the
Norwegian Labour Movement.
Poster states:
"Progress will continue
The Labour Party"
40
statkraft